Provers (23)

Proverbs 01

Verse 1

“The proverbs of Solomon…”

- Chapters 1-9: Introduction.

- Chapters 10-29: Application of wisdom.

- The book of Proverbs is a collection of practical life wisdom, given mostly in very short memorable statements.

- The book is unique in the way it is structured as it is a collection of individual statements and therefore, there is not much for context nor is the book organized by topic.

- Styled after secular wisdom writings.

- Authored by Solomon, King of Israel, Son of David and Bethsaida.

- Solomon prayed and asked God for Wisdom.

- The Tragedy of Solomon is that even though we can receive wisdom (as Solomon did), he did not follow the path of wisdom and eventually began to fall into idol worship and the book of 1 Kings shows his downfall as God removed his hand of blessing

Verses 2 – 5

“To know wisdom and instruction. To receive the instruction of wisdom in justice, judgement and equity. To give prudence to the simple, knowledge and discretion to the youth. Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.”

- The Purpose of Proverbs is laid out (Wisdom, instruction, perception, understanding).

QUESTION: What is the difference between knowledge and wisdom?

o Knowledge is a collection of facts.

o Wisdom is the right use of knowledge for daily living.

o I know how much money I have in the bank (knowledge), wisdom is budgeting that money so I can provide for my family.

o Wisdom is the right and practical application of knowledge.

o The Hebrew term for wisdom meant skill or applied knowledge.

o Wisdom = Probabilities (Focus’ on the general rule rather than the exceptions.

? I.E – If you live in the way God calls you to live, you will PROBABLY have the better life.

o However, Proverbs are not ignorant of the complexity of human life in the midst of fallen natures which is why there are 2 other wisdom books – Ecclesiastes and Job.

What is Godly wisdom?

- It is wisdom from God and honors God.

- It begins with the fear of God and results in holy living.

- Results in us preparing to live for eternity.

- It allows us to understand we are not of this world but rather citizens of another kingdom and we make choices that reflect our allegiance to Christ.

- We strive to see life from God’s perspective and to live accordingly.

- Wisdom teaches us how to live well in God’s world.

- Wisdom is not Law (Do not do) and is not prophecy (thus says the Lord)

- It is insight from God’s people.

How do we get wisdom?

1. Fear God: A Child like fear where the child loves and respects his parents and has a fear of offending them.

2. Desire Wisdom: Seek after it – be intentional about it.

3. Pray for Wisdom: James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”

4. Study God’s Word: Lean on the wisdom and insight found in God’s Word and not on our own knowledge and experience. (Psalm 19:7)

Verse 6 – 7

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.”

- Proverbs focus is on practical life wisdom more than theological ideas, however Solomon writes this theological principle – true knowledge and true wisdom flows from a proper fear of the Lord.

- What is the fear of the Lord?

o Respect + Honor

o “But what is the fear of the Lord? It is that affectionate reverence by which the child of God bends himself humbly and carefully to his Father’s law.” (Bridges)

o “‘The fear of the Lord’ ultimately expresses reverential submission to the Lord’s will and thus characterizes a true worshiper.” (Ross)

o It is a moral mindset (I am NOT GOD).

o The moral mindset allows us to humble ourselves to accept God’s definition and standard of what is right and wrong. (There is a way that seems right to a man…)

- If true wisdom can be obtained by human effort then the fear of the Lord is not essential to obtaining it; however, if the fear of the Lord is essential to true knowledge and wisdom then a right relationship with him is key.

o Be humble (know your place before God and others.)

o Be teachable (you don’t know everything).

Verse 8-9

“My son, hear the instruction of your father and do not forsake the law of your mother…”

- It is the primary responsibility of the parents to teach and instruct children.